DeRidder Paternity Lawyer

DeRidder Paternity Attorney

When you’re facing questions about paternity, you want to make sure your rights are protected, that your child gets the support they need, and that you can navigate the legal system without unnecessary stress. That’s where an experienced DeRidder paternity lawyer can provide vital representation.

At the Godley Law Firm, we put you and your family first. Our team can listen to your concerns, clearly explain your options, and guide you through every step. We can make sure you feel comfortable and confident when making decisions to protect the best interests of your child. These matters are governed by complicated paternity laws, and the outcome of paternity cases can affect a family for a lifetime.

About Us

The Godley Law Firm fights for our clients. With more than 25 years of legal experience, our team has developed a reputation for tenacity, precision, and results-driven advocacy. The firm is led by William Godley, a former Louisiana Assistant Attorney General, who brings a deep understanding of state law and an aggressive, strategic approach to the courtroom.

His extensive experience allows us to anticipate challenges, craft effective strategies, and fight for every client as if they were our own family.

Understanding Paternity in Louisiana

In 2024, there were 380,000 paternity cases recorded in the U.S., even though 81% of established paternities happen in the hospital when babies are born. Also, 3% of children discover that they’re not biologically related to a parent through at-home genetic tests.

Legal paternity is about determining who the law recognizes as the father of a child, and it can affect many aspects of a family’s life. In Louisiana, establishing paternity decides who has legal rights to custody and visitation, along with who’s responsible for providing financial support.

While these cases often involve parents who were never married, disputes can sometimes come up even within marriages. A DeRidder paternity attorney can make sure your side of the story is heard and that all the paperwork, deadlines, and evidence are correctly handled.

In many families, fathers worry about their right to spend time with their child, while mothers can struggle to secure steady financial support. Louisiana courts take these matters seriously because paternity is the foundation for almost every other family law issue.

Establishing Paternity in DeRidder

Figuring out legal paternity is an important first step for any parent who wants to assert their rights and make sure their child gets the support they need. Whether both parents agree or there’s a dispute, this process determines who the law recognizes as the child’s father. Some common legal paths to establish paternity in DeRidder include:

• Voluntary acknowledgment of paternity at the hospital
• Later acknowledgment through the Louisiana vital records
• Court-ordered genetic testing
• Judicial declaration of legal fatherhood

At the Godley Law Firm, our DeRidder paternity attorneys provide personalized guidance and strong advocacy to help families resolve their paternity matters, safeguard parental rights, and ensure the child’s best interests are met.

Responsibilities and Rights After Paternity Is Established

Once you legally establish paternity, both parents gain rights and responsibilities that have a big impact on their child’s life. Our DeRidder paternity attorneys can help you navigate issues that could have prompted the establishment of paternity, and we can clearly explain how each decision can affect your family. Some of these issues could include:

• Child support obligations based on income and support guidelines
• Custody and visitation rights
• Medical and educational decision-making authority
• Inheritance rights and eligibility for certain benefits

Our DeRidder paternity attorneys work closely with families to explain these rights and responsibilities. Our team can advocate for fair arrangements, and we can secure stability for the future of your child.

Hire a DeRidder Paternity Lawyer: Local Representation Is a Significant Advantage

When you’re facing a paternity dispute, it’s important to hire a paternity lawyer who knows the local legal system. At the Godley Law Firm, we live and work in DeRidder, and we regularly handle cases at the Beauregard Parish Courthouse, the Vernon Parish Courthouse, and the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse.

This means we understand the preferences of local judges and the kinds of narratives that resonate with local sentiment, allowing us to tailor our strategies and advice.

The Godley Law Firm takes the time to listen, explain your options in plain language, and build a plan that protects your rights while keeping your child’s best interests at the center of everything we do.

FAQs

Can a Child’s Last Name Be Changed After Paternity Is Established?

Yes, a child’s last name can be changed after paternity is established, but it requires a separate court order. The judge considers factors like the child’s age, the length of time the current name has been used, and whether the change is in the best interest of the child. Parental agreement can simplify the process, but it’s not strictly required for approval.

Are Paternity Records Private in Louisiana?

No, paternity records aren’t private in Louisiana, as court files are generally part of the public record. However, certain sensitive documents could be restricted by the court, like genetic test results, medical information, and records involving minors. In some situations, a judge can order that parts of a file should be sealed to prevent unnecessary harm or exposure.

Can a Parent Relocate Out of State After Paternity Is Determined?

Yes, a parent can relocate out of state after paternity is determined. However, it can trigger additional legal requirements, depending on the terms of the existing court orders. A parent who wants to move could be required to provide advance written notice to the other parent and, in some circumstances, get court approval. The court examines the purpose of the move, the distance involved, and the potential impact on the child’s stability.

Can Paternity-Related Orders Be Modified Later?

Yes, paternity-related orders, like child support or visitation, can be modified later if circumstances change. Common reasons for modification can include changes in income, relocation, or the evolving needs of the child. A parent looking for a modification needs to file a petition and demonstrate that a change is in the child’s best interests.

Assert Your Parental Rights Today

At the Godley Law Firm, we approach every case with determination, experience, and a deep understanding of Louisiana paternity laws. We stand by our clients in and out of the courtroom, whether it’s establishing paternity, securing custody, or ensuring fair child support.

Contact us today to arrange a consultation.